Reflecting on his time served on council, Mr. Bennett said he played a key role in negotiations with the borough's department of public works, securing a less expensive medical plan that continues to save Clarks Summit thousands of dollars a year.

"I've demonstrated that I can be an asset to the borough," he said.

Mr. Cruciani said borough council must weigh both short- and long-term effects of potential decisions so taxpayers are not "saddled with more unnecessary debt" stemming from "failed leadership" over the 2003 partial closure of Grandview Street.

If council had not ignored initial settlement offers, about $1 million less than the $1.99 million one they agreed to in December 2009, residents would be paying much less in taxes, he said.

"You have to make a value judgment," he said. "We want it to be a sustained positive environment to be living in."

A longtime educator, Mr. Klein said he wants to help Clarks Summit continue to be "the nice community it is." If elected, he plans to brainstorm ways to alleviate Clarks Summit's traffic problem and seek grant money.

"Of course, taxes are always of interest, and the finances," he said. "I know they are involved with (seeking grants) now, and it's something I think is important."

While finances appear to be the key issue, all candidates mentioned the importance of revitalizing downtown Clarks Summit.

Both Mr. Williams and Ms. Carey noted the anticipated Depot Street project, which they say should create an additional 13 parking spots, helps attract consumers to businesses and bring life to a road not well-traveled.

Mr. Williams said it is important for borough council to encourage growth among businesses, while maintaining the aesthetics of the community.

"I'm always trying to think outside the box, and come up with ideas for additional revenue," Mr. Williams said. "But it's also important to spend wisely."

Ms. Carey, who now serves as council president, said she believes council is heading in the right direction, citing its recent lease agreement with the Abington Area Community Classroom - a nonprofit that plans to transform the borough building's vacant space into a community art and education center.

"It's such a nice town, but there are a few upcoming projects we have planned to even improve the downtown," she said.

Education: Associate degree from Keystone College; Abington Heights High School

Employment: Retired office manager, American Credit Bureau

Experience: Clarks Summit council president; borough councilwoman for 14 years; member of the Abington Business & Professional Association; secretary on board of Clarks Summit State Hospital; member of Lackawanna County Planning Commission Board; member of the Society of Irish Women; and member of Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women.

Experience: Member of the Board of the Friends of the Abington Community Library; former chairman of Penn State Worthington Scranton campus Senate and senator of the University Faculty Senate.

Patrick Williams

Age: 71

Family: Wife, Carol; children, Laura, Eric, Allison and Jason

Education: Dunmore High School

Employment: A manager at County of Lackawanna Transit System

Experience: Borough councilman for 12 years; vice president of the Abington Council of Governments; Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Snows; member of board of Pennsylvanians for Human Life Scranton Chapter; and chaplain of Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069, Clarks Summit.

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